Suction cleaner with handle mounted cord reel



M y 29, 1956 B, F. ZIEGLER, JR 2,747,683

SUCTION CLEANER WITH HANDLE MOUNTED CORD REEL Filed Aug. 18, 1953 5 SheetsShee l INVENTOR.

Brandt E Ziegler Jr: Y

WA? W ATTORNEY.

May 29, 1956 B. F. ZIEGLER, JR

SUCTION CLEANER WITH HANDLE MOUNTED CORD REEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 18, 1953 IN VENTOR. Brandt l-T Ziegler Jr ATTORNEY.

y 1955 B. F. ZIEGLER, JR

SUCTION CLEANER WITH HANDLE MOUNTED CORD REEL Filed Aug. 18, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOH. Brandt Ff Ziegler J1: BY

ATTORNEY.

United States atent C SUCTIGN CLEANER WITH HANDLE MQUNTED CORD REEL Brandt F. Ziegler, Jr., Canton, Ohio, assignor to The Hoover Company, North Canton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application August 18, 1953, Serial No. 375,037

11 Claims. (Cl. 183-36) My invention relates to the art of suction cleaners and in particular to a suction cleaner characterized by the provision of a readily accessible and conveniently located cord reel attached to the suction cleaner handle and encased within the filter housing structure.

It is a particular object of my invention to provide a floor supported, handle propelled suction cleaning device with a cord reel supported by the handle and located conveniently for actuation by the operator while in an upright position, and in which the cord reel is encased within and forms part of the supporting structure for the filter housing.

It is still another object of my invention to provide a floor supported handle propelled suction cleaning device with a service cord storage reel slidably mounted on the handle adjacent the hand grip portion thereof and acting as the upper supporting means for the filter encasing envelope attached at its lower end to the floor supported portion of the cleaner structure.

It is still another object of my invention to provide a floor supported handle propelled suction cleaner provided with a service cord storage reel attached to the handle adjacent the hand grip portion thereof and encased within a filter envelope attached to the cleaner body proper and having an elastic section to keep the envelope taut as the handle is pivoted.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings where- 111:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, illustrating a suction cleaning device embodying my invention; V

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating the propelling handle and cord reel and filter in the upright storage position of the device; I

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the cord reel and the portion of the handle and filter housing to which it is directly attached;

Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the upper portion of the handle, cord reel and filter casing having parts broken away to reveal underlying structure; and

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 illustrating a modified form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, and first to Figures 1 to 4 thereof, I have illustrated a well known type of suction cleaner embodying a main body 1, which is supported by surface engaging wheels 2 at the front and rear thereof and is provided with a suction nozzle 4 at the front portion thereof. The housing 1 encases the usual electric drive motor and suction producing fan, not illustrated, to draw cleaning air through the nozzle in a well known manner. A propelling handle 5 is mounted on a pivot pin 6 attached to the housing 1 for propelling the housing 1 across a surface to be cleaned. The handle 5 at its upper end is provided with a hand grip portion 7 by which the handle is grasped by the operator in the use of the machine. A control switch 8 is mounted on 2 the handle 5 adjacent the hand grip 7 for convenient actuation by the operator to control the electric drive motor in the housing 1.

The housing 1 is provided with a rearwardly projecting exhaust passageway 9 to which is attached a known type of flexible exhaust conduit and filter connecting structure 10 which receives and supports the lower end of a filter bag 11 which is preferably constructed of paper. The filter mounting structure 10 and filter 11 are encased within a porous textile fiber envelope 12 attached at its lower end to the casing 1 around the end of the exhaust conduit. The envelope 12 is split along its under rear side for access to the filter 11, which slit is closed by a slide fastener 13.

A cord reel structure 15 is housed within the upper end of the filter envelope 12. The cord reel structure per so may be of any desired type, either spring or manually wound, and have any desired internal structure. For purposes of illustration, the cord reel shown in the drawing is of the manually operated type; that is, the cord is wound on the reel by manual rotation of a suitable handle to be described, and is unwound therefrom by pulling on the cord. As illustrated, the reel structure 15 comprises a metal housing, indicated generally by the reference character 16 having an inwardly dished portion 17 on the face thereof removed from the handle 5. A shouldered stud 18 is secured to the casing 15 and projects outwardly through the center of the dished section 17 and slightly therebeyond to form a pivoting stud for a hub 19 which extends through a suitable opening in the plate 17. The hub 19 includes a bearing 2t! journaled on the shouldered stud 18 adjacent its outer end. The hub 19 merges with a disc 21 formed integrally therewith. The disc 21 is provided with a sleeve bearing 22 radially offset from the stud 18, which bearing rotatably supports a stud 23 pivotally mounting a winding handle 24 upon the outer face of the disc 21. The handle 24- is readily accessible to the operator while holding the handle '7 in an upright position so that the handle 24 can be grasped to rotate the cord reel without stooping.

The envelope 12 is provided with a circular cutout portion adapted to receive the rotary disc 21. The circular cutout portion of the envelope 12 is provided with a hem 25 receiving a split metal clamping band 26. The clamping band 26 draws the envelope opening tightly against the outside cylindrical surface of an annular member 28 provided with a projecting radial flange 29 to hide the hem portioh of the'en'velope and having an inner inwardly radially projecting flange 3% secured to the plate 17 by means of screws 31. The clamping band 26 is provided with outwardly projecting spaced ears 32 which are drawn towards each other by a bolt and nut 33 to clamp the hem portion of the envelope tightly about the cylindrical surface 28.

The casing structure 16 is provided with an indented portion 34 which is adapted to receive the clamping portion of the envelope anchoring means and also to provide for a service cord outlet between the ears 32. The flange 29 is providedwith an outwardly projecting section 35 having a generally rectangular opening 36 therein through which a service cord 37 extends into the interior of the cord reel structure 15. The axially projecting cylindrical surface 38 of the dished portion 17 and a portion of the outer wall of the reel housing are interrupted at the depression 34 providing an opening to allow access of the service cord 37 to the interior of the casing. The radially outer end of the opening in the reel housing for the service cord is indicated in Figure 4 by the reference character 40.

The handle 5 is provided with a mounting bracket 42 secured thereto by screws 43 for supporting the cord reel 15. The bracket 42 is secured to the reel housing structure 16 by means of screws 44 which extend through that portion of the envelope 12 covering the back of the reel housing 15 to provide a firm handle anchorage for these parts.

To assemble the cord reel, filter envelope, handle and cleaner body, the disc 21 and its appurtenances and the plate are removed from the cord reel housing 16, the slide fastener 13 is opened and the disc 21 and plate 30 with the cord 37 passing through the opening 36 are passed into the envelope 12 between the now separated portions of the slide fastener 13 and outwardly through the top openings of the envelope 12. The clamping ring 26 may be assembled with the envelope 12 before or after passing the members 30 and 21 through the envelope top opening as the opening is large enough to pass these elements when the clamping ring is free of restraint by the bolt 33. The reel housing 15 is next passed into the envelope 12 through the opening bounded by the slide fastener 13 and is secured in final assembled relation in the top of the envelope with the bracket 42 by screws 44. The split ring 26 is next drawn tightly about the surface 28 with the cars 32 on opposite sides of the projection 35 as shown in Figure 4. The plate 30 and disc 21 are next assembled to the reel housing 16, the bracket 42 is secured to the handle 5, and the lower end of envelope 12 is secured to the exhaust conduit 9.

In this form of the invention, the upper end of the filter 11 is free and is supported solely by the envelope 12. At least the upper portion and preferably the entire envelope 12 is constructed of elastic textile material so that it may stretch and contract as the propelling handle is pivoted on the axis 6 during the manipulation of the cleaner. When the propelling handle is in the lower angular rest position of Figure 1 a minimum clearance between the upper end of the filter 11 and lower portion of the reel 15 is provided as indicated by the lines 45. When the handle is in the vertical storage position of Figure 2, the envelope 12 stretches to compensate for the increased distance between the reel structure 15 and the exhaust outlet 9 of the cleaner body. As this occurs, the filter envelope 11 moves downwardly away from the reel 15 to provide a clearance space therebetween as indicated by the lines 46 in Figure 2. The slide fastener 13 is preferably long enough to sag to some extent when the cleaner handle is in the operating position and to be drawn taut in the upright position of the handle.

The electrical connections from the reel will pass through the bracket 42 into the interior of the handle 5 in a conventional manner and are not illustrated in detail, as the connections of such electrical leads to the cleaner motor and to the control switch are well known.

It is believed readily apparent from Figures 1 and 2 that the cord reel is encased within the filter envelope 12 in such manner that it does not add to the apparent bulk of the apparatus and in a position in which the handle 24 may readily be grasped to wind the cord, or the cord be grasped to unwind the same, while the operator is in an upright position. It is also apparent that the cord reel is not only concealed within the filter envelope but also serves as the upper anchoring means therefor so that the envelope can support and protect the comparatively fragile filter 11.

A modified form of the invention is illustrated in Figure 5 wherein the filter need not be of elastic material. Only so much of the apparatus of this modification is illustrated as is necessary to indicate the manner in which it differs from the modification of Figures 1 to 4. Those portions of the apparatus in Figure 5 which are identical with the previously described portions of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4 are given the same reference characters as their corresponding parts, distinguished by the addition of a prime.

In this form of the invention, the nonelastic filter envelope 50 is secured to the cord reel structure 15 in the same'manner as the envelope 12 is secured to the reel 15. The handle 5' is provided with an elongated indentation 51 having a slot 52 formed therein for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The indented portion 51 of the handle 5' is covered by means of the closure plate 53 which is secured by studs 54 to the handle structure. The plate 53 supports a pair of spaced angle brackets 55 within the identation 51 which brackets serve to support a longitudinally extending slide rod 56. The rod 56 acts as a guide for a U-shaped support and slider mechanism 57 having the bight portion thereof extending through an elongated slot 58 in the plate 53 in order that the bracket 57 may be secured to the reel structure 15' by means of studs 59 which extend through the envelope 50. The leg portions of the bracket 57 are slidably mounted on the rod 56 and are biased to the upper position away from the cleaner proper by means of a compression spring 60 surrounding rod 56 and bearing between bracket 57 and the lower of the supporting angle brackets 55. The leg portions of the bracket 57 extend through the slot 52 into the interior of the handle 5 to serve as guides and supports for flexible conductors 61 which form the electrical lead to the cord reel structure 15. The projecting legs of the bracket 57 are provided with bifurcated end portions 62 which receive the flexible leads 61 and are then lightly clinched thereupon in order to provide firm anchorages to these members and to guide them through the slots 52 and 53 into the interior of the handle 5.

As the handle 5 is pivoted in the use of the machine, the spring 60 maintains the envelope 50 under tension at all times. The cord reel structure 15' and the bracket 57 will slide on the rod 56 against the bias of the spring 66) as the handle is pivoted to and from a vertical storage position.

In this form of the invention, like that heretofore described, the cord reel structure is encased within and concealed by the filter envelope and forms the upper anchorage therefor as well as the means by which it is maintained under tension, to provide a firm and protective covering for the comparatively delicate filter 11.

In each of the forms of the invention heretofore described, the cord reel structure is concealed in a manner which does not add to the apparent bulk of the cleaning device as the upper end of the filter casing envelope must be held spread laterally of the handle as indicated generally in Figure 4 in order not to pinch the upper end of the filter 11. In addition to the foregoing, the cord reel is readily accessible to the operator while the operator is standing upright, and forms the means which supports the upper end of the filter envelope.

While I have illustrated and described the invention in considerable detail, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in the arrangement, proportion and construction of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supported cleaning section including an air discharge conduit, and a manipulating handle pivotally connected to the cleaning section offset from the discharge conduit, the combination of a filter-cord reel assembly comprising a filter attached to and communicating with the discharge conduit, a filter casing attached to the cleaning section and encasing the filter, a cord reel embraced by the filter casing and disposed at the upper end thereof, means attaching the cord reel to the handle remotely from the cleaning section and resilient means for maintaining the filter casing tensioned as the handle pivots.

2. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supported body portion including an air discharge conduit, :1 manipulating handle pivotally mounted on the body portion otfset from the air discharge co'nduit and having a free end provided with a hand grip portion, the combination of a filter and cord reel assembly comprising a filter casing secured to the body portion about the discharge conduit, a cord reel embraced by the filter casing and disposed at the upper end thereof, and means attaching the cord reel to the handle adjacent the hand grip portion whereby the cord reel is partially concealed by the filter casing and forms a support for the latter at its upper end.

3. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supported body portion including an air discharge conduit, a manipulating handle pivotally mounted on the body portion offset from the air discharge conduit and having a free end provided with a hand grip portion, the combination of a filter and cord reel assembly comprising a filter attached to the discharge conduit, an envelope encasing the filter and attached to the body portion, a cord reel within the envelope, and means mounting the cord reel on the handle adjacent the hand grip portion thereof whereby the cord reel supports the envelope from the handle, and said assembly includes resilient means for maintaining the envelope under tension as the handle pivots.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which said resilient means comprises a resilient section of said envelope which expands and contracts as said handle is pivoted on the body portion.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which said resilient means comprises a spring connected to said handle and biasing the free end of said envelope away from said body portion.

6. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supported body portion including an air discharge conduit, a manipulating handle pivotally mounted on the body portion offset from the air discharge conduit and having a free end provided with a hand grip portion, the combination of a filter and cord reel assembly comprising a filter secured to the discharge conduit, a porous envelope of textile fabric having the lower end thereof attached to the body portion and encasing the filter, a service cord reel in the other end of the envelope spaced from the filter, and means for supporting the reel from the handle adjacent the hand grip portion thereof.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the envelope is made of resilient textile material to maintain the envelope under tension as the handle is pivoted.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said supporting means includes means slidably supporting the cord reel upon the handle and resilient means biasing the cord reel toward the hand grip portion of the handle to maintain the envelope taut as the handle pivots.

9. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supported body portion including an air discharge conduit, a manipulating handle pivotally mounted on the body portion olfset from the air discharge conduit and having a free end provided with a hand grip portion, the combination of a filter and cord reel assembly comprising a filter secured to the discharge conduit, a porous filter casing attached at its lower end to the body portion and encasing the filter, a cord reel in the other end of the filter having an operating handle, said envelope being formed with an opening through which the operating handle projects, and means mounting the cord reel on the handle adjacent the hand grip portion whereby the operating handle is readily accessible when the manipulating handle is in an upright position.

10. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supported body portion including an air discharge conduit, a manipulating handle pivotally mounted on the body portion ofiset from the air discharge conduit and having a free end provided with a hand grip portion, the combination of a filter and cord reel assembly comprising a filter secured to the discharge conduit, a porous filter casing attached at its lower end to the body portion and encasing the filter, a service cord, a storage reel for the service cord in the other end of the envelope and having an operating handle, said envelope being formed with an opening through which the operating handle and service cord extend from the cord reel, means securing the portion of the envelope defining the opening to the cord reel, and means mounting the cord reel on the handle adjacent the hand grip portion to position the cord and operating handle for ready access to an operator grasping the hand grip portion of the manipulating handle.

11. In an electrically energized suction cleaning apparatus having a floor supporting body portion including an air discharge conduit, a manipulating handle pivotally mounted on the body portion offset from the discharged conduit, the combination of a filter and cord reel assembly comprising a filter casing secured to the body portion about the discharge conduit, a cord reel attached to said handle remotely from said discharge conduit and adjacent the top of said filter casing, and resilient means on said cord reel and filter casing for maintaining the latter tensioned as the handle pivots.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,832,457 Gilbert Nov. 17, 1931 1,897,087 Tamarin Feb. 14, 1933 2,110,013 Demaree et al Mar. 1, 1938 2,374,457 Reeves Apr. 29, 1945 2,633,596 Turner et al Apr. 7, 1953 

